Namibia day 2 - Dead Valley Lodge

After a delicious breakfast our driver/guide arrived to collect us for the start of our two week adventure. Toni was born in Johannesburg but she has lived in Namibia for most of her life. She is very knowledgeable about the culture, history, politics, geology, flora, and fauna of her country so we are very pleased that she is our guide. Before we set off we sat down and went over maps and she explained where we are going and the why each area is significant.

We first went to the Spar supermarket to get some lunch for our car journey to Sossusvlei and for me to buy some gluten free and lactose free items in case the hotels where we are staying don't have things that I want. The journey was about 6 hours long but was so interesting that the time flew by. We stopped at Spreetshoogte Pass where we sat in the shade of a 'shepherd' tree for our picnic lunch. I had bought some fresh sushi from the Spar which was delicious! The rocky terrain was fascinating, and as Toni's dad is a geologist she knew everything about the rock layers in the surrounding mountains. 

Along the way we spotted Oryx, Klipspringers, Wildebeest, Ostrich, Warthogs and baboons. It was all on dusty dry roads but the roads are in very good condition. It was 34C today but we were very comfortable in the air conditioned car and did not feel too hot.

When we got to Sesriem we checked in to our accommodation at Dead Valley Lodge, the most amazing oasis in the middle of the sandy desert area. In the extra is a photo of our air conditioned tented rooms, and the main dining area and swimming pool area are so beautifully designed they blend in to the landscape so well. On the way to supper as the sun was setting the moon rose, as can be seen here. This bright moon is called the poacher's moon by locals as it is so bright, it is before it gets to full moon. Supper was a delicious braaivleis (BBQ) and salads - Tommy did the whole safari and had beef, wildebeest, springbok and warthog! 

It has been a fabulous day, only problem is I have lost my googlemail account and I have no roaming so no data access unless in the camp with wifi. I cannot keep up with Blip as I have no time at night after dinner.

Tomorrow morning is an early start to go see the dunes at sunrise.